Chateau Gruaud Larose   Chateau Gruaud Larose

2017 Chateau Gruaud-Larose

By Chateau Gruaud-Larose

2017 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien, Bordeaux

In my many years of vinous exploration, certain vintages stand out not just for their exceptional character but also for the circumstances that shaped them. The 2017 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose encapsulates the resolute spirit of Bordeaux's winemaking, a testament to the region's relentless pursuit of excellence despite nature's caprice.

 

Elegance in Adversity: The 2017 Vintage

The growing season was a play in two acts: A frost that significantly impacted volumes, followed by a relatively benign summer. Yet, the 2017 vintage emerged triumphant, distinctive by its balance and early approachability. This is particularly true for the wines from St-Julien, an appellation renowned for its poise and precision.

The 2017 Chateau Gruaud-Larose exhibits a finesse that belies the challenges of the vintage. A harmonious blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon offers layers of ripe cassis and black cherry notes interwoven with subtle savoury undertones and an adroit use of oak that complements rather than overpowers. A firm yet polished tannic structure suggests both immediate enjoyment and potential cellar worthiness—an enticing dual prospect for investors and connoisseurs alike.

 

The Relevance of Terroir

Chateau Gruaud-Larose’s fabled terroir has once again proved itself invaluable, providing resilience against climatic hurdles. The estate's deep gravel soils helped mitigate the stress of an unusual growing season, culminating in a wine that captures the essence of its noble lineage with grace.

Accolades are due not just to this rich tapestry of earth but to the deft hands that have coaxed every drop of potential from the fermenting vessels - encapsulating both fortitude and flair in each bottle of 2017 Chateau Gruaud-Larose.

 

Investing with Confidence

Incorporating such a multifaceted vintage into one's portfolio not only endows diversity but also brings a slice of Bordeaux's storied legacy. As maturity beckons for this vintage’s investment journey, collectors can take solace in knowing that the 2017 Chateau Gruaud-Larose holds remarkable promise, manifesting resilience and elegance against all odds—a vigneron's victory over vulnerability.

In summing up the essence of this wine, the 2017 Chateau Gruaud-Larose is a contemplative masterpiece—one to invest in with confidence, sure to yield sensory and financial dividends as it evolves. This vintage boldly declares that even in years when nature seems inclined to test viticultural mettle, St-Julien perseveres—and indeed flourishes—producing wines that eloquently articulate their origins.

Current market price

£600.00

12x75cl

Highest score

93

POP score

46.15

Scores and tasting notes

92-93

A firm and silky young red with an attractive center palate of fruit and hints of cedar. Fresh, tight and compacted.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com

91-94

Well-built, with plum and blackberry fruit that is very fresh, thanks to bright acidity. Light floral, anise and graphite notes add range. A savory streak keeps the finish going.—J.M.

Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com

92-94

A barrel sample made up of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Gruaud Larose offers a lifted nose of violets and kirsch over a core of cassis, baked plums and black raspberries with hints of cigar box, menthol and dark chocolate. Medium-bodied, elegant and very finely structured with ripe tannins and lovely freshness, it has loads of vibrant red and black fruits with a mineral-laced finish.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 29 March 2019

89-92

The 2017 Gruaud Larose is pliant, deep and quite expressive, while staying light on its feet. In 2017, Gruaud is a wine of precision and nuance rather than volume. There is lovely persistence and nuance in the glass. Even so, I can't help thinking there is quite a bit of unrealized potential here. All of the wine was fermented in oak vats, with slightly higher than normal temperatures for the Cabernets.

Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18

90-92

The 2017 Gruaud Larose was picked from 15 to 20 September for the Merlot and from 21 to 3 October for the Cabernets, fermented in wood and cement tanks and aged in French oak, 80% new for 18 to 24 months. It comes in with 12.88° alcohol. Quite deep in colour, it has an introverted bouquet at first that demands a lot of coaxing from the glass. There are notes of black cherry, iodine and just a touch of pencil lead. The palate is medium-bodied with finely balanced. An unpretentious but pretty Gruaud Larose that is benefitted by what is clearly a prudent extraction. The oak is neatly integrated with a linear, almost pastille-like finish and quite a sustained aftertaste.

Neal Martin - Neal Martin - vinous.com - May '18

Vintage performance